Self-Powered Wireless Switch with Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless switches lack a means to reliably transmit switch signals and confirm reception states while conserving energy, particularly in factory automation environments where compactness and simplicity are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A wireless switch incorporating a button member, power generation module, and notification unit, where the power generation module generates power through the movement of the button member, enabling reliable signal transmission and reception state confirmation without the need for batteries, using electromagnetic induction and a mechanism involving plungers, springs, and a power generation shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is used to power the wireless switch for signal transmission and reception confirmation, then the wireless switch can operate continuously, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless switch generates its own power through the power generation module that converts mechanical energy from button operations into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external batteries, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and device complexity by making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static battery-powered design to a dynamic energy harvesting design where power is generated on-demand through button operations. The power generation module dynamically converts mechanical motion into electrical energy, allowing the system to adapt its power supply to actual usage patterns rather than relying on fixed battery capacity.
2Loss of energy
If energy is conserved by minimizing power consumption, then battery life is extended, but the ability to confirm reception states and transmit signals reliably is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation module enables the system to generate sufficient energy during active operations (button presses) to support both signal transmission and reception confirmation functions. By harvesting energy from user interactions, the system maintains full functionality including LED notifications and wireless communication without relying on stored battery energy, thus achieving both energy efficiency during idle periods and reliable operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles where button presses generate energy bursts that power transmission and reception confirmation functions intermittently. Between activations, the system consumes minimal energy, creating a rhythm of high-power operations followed by low-power states. This periodic operation pattern maintains reliability during active use while minimizing overall energy consumption.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented without batteries, then the device size is reduced, but ensuring sufficient power for communication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation module integrated into the button mechanism enables the compact wireless switch to generate sufficient power for RF transmission and reception confirmation without requiring large battery compartments. The mechanical energy from normal button operations is converted into electrical energy, providing adequate power for communication functions while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for factory automation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy supply parameter from stored chemical energy (batteries) to converted mechanical energy (power generation module). This parameter change allows the device to achieve compact dimensions by eliminating bulky power sources while maintaining sufficient communication power through on-demand energy conversion during button operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables stable and reliable transmission of switch signals and confirmation of reception states, ensuring efficient energy use and eliminating the need for batteries, thus providing a compact and energy-efficient solution for wireless communication in factory automation.
Implementation Method 1
The power generation module is configured to generate power using energy produced by the movement of the button member
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless switch includes a button member, a power generation module, an RF module, and a notification unit. The button member is mounted in a housing, and is configured to move. The power generation module is configured to generate power using energy produced by the movement of the button member. The RF module is connected to the power generation module, and is configured to transmit a switch signal using power generated by the power generation module. The notification unit is configured to operate using power generated by the power generation module. The RF module controls the notification unit in one or more notification states according to a strength or details of a reception state signal corresponding to the transmitted switch signal.